St George

Perched on the banks of the mighty Balonne River and towered by beautiful river gums, St George is an oasis in the bush. Life here is easy with the river the source of rest and play for the friendly locals who welcome visitors to share their town.

Get your bearings with a walk along the two kilometre stretch of shady riverbank walkway flanking the town. Below the Jack Taylor Weir is where explorer Major Thomas Mitchell crossed the Balonne River back in 1846 and gave St George its name.

Keen anglers won't be disappointed. The Balonne Shire has a reputation for the best inland fishing in Queensland, with no fewer than seven river systems traversing it. Settle in at the riverbank for a quiet afternoon in search of the great Murray cod and yellowbelly.

There are also plenty of quiet spots to picnic and throw in a line like Beardmore Dam and Jack Taylor Weir. There is no shortage of fishing events to keep the family entertained; Thallon Carp Busting Competition in March, Dirranbandi Family Fishing Competition over Easter, Dirranbandi Carp Buster in October and the annual St George Family Fishing Competition in September.

You'll have a whole new appreciation for the humble egg once you've visited The Unique Egg in St George. You'll see the work of local character and artisan Steve Margaritis - 'Stevie the Greek' to his friends - and his talented daughter Panorea - who have created the world's only display of carved, illuminated emu eggs.

Down tree-lined streets you'll find great coffee, gourmet delis, award-winning restaurants and quality pub grub. And don't miss a visit to the most westerly winery in Queensland - Riversands. While away the afternoon with a free, personalised wine tasting at the cellar door followed by scones and homemade jam or a cheese platter and a glass of wine in their shady country garden. Check out the wine labels which feature country characters and legendary locals.

Travelling in south west Queensland? Riverland Motor Inn is home to Rivers Restaurant, which serves Modern Australian cuisine to those enjoying the accommodation and as well as those just passing through. The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, plus, there's a cocktail bar if you fancy a tipple with your meal.

Car weary legs will appreciate the two-kilometre stretch of shady riverbank walkway flanking St George. A star feature, the riverbank walkway begins below the Jack Taylor Weir. There you'll find a commemorative stone to mark Major Thomas Mitchell's crossing of the Balonne River on St George's Day back in 1846. Further along the river walk, a marker showcases the flood heights of the swollen Balonne River from years gone by.

Dirranbandi marks the end of the South West rail line and was the destination of the very last mail train to operate in Australia. On a visit to Railway Park, you'll find the old waiting room, the original parcels office and the 1913 Station Master's residence, which is now the Rural Transaction Centre. Here you will have the opportunity to talk to a local and find out some further history on the town. While meandering through the park you will uncover a stone cotton bale in memory of the late Des Stevenson, the pioneer of the cotton industry in Dirranbandi and the famed Cubbie Station. A neighbouring bronze statue in the centre of town celebrates the remarkable story of Aboriginal man Tom Dancey - the 1910 winner of Australia's most famous foot race the Stawell Gift.

In the little town of Hebel it feels like time has stood still, leaving behind tales of the Ned Kelly gang, Cobb & Co, and dance halls. Hebel's interesting history has been narrated through the public art piece, the Hebel Historical Circle. Out of the red earth, tall timber posts hover over ten illustrated signs; each telling their own story of Hebel's history. Complete with play equipment, there is something to keep everyone occupied.

Pack the van for a few days alongside the tree-lined Moonie River at the Nindigully Tourist and Visitor Area (free camping) located just below the Nindigully Pub. Fill your day by taking a stroll along The Gully Walk - a purpose built historical river walkway, perching up on the tables and chairs with a book, or heading up to the Nindigully Pub for happy hour. Toilets and showers are available here for those of you who are looking for some creature comforts.

A fighter pilot memorial pays tribute to two brave men hailing from St George. One of these men, Squadron Leader John Jackson bravely served in World War II in some of its most dangerous battles and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal for his work in the Middle East after destroying seven aircraft. less than six months later, Jackson led his squadron of Kittyhawks in the Battle of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea which prevented the Japanese advancement into the country. In recognition of his efforts, Jacksons International Airport at Port Moresby is named in his honour. The other serviceman, Warrant Officer Leonard Waters, was the first Aboriginal fighter pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force. The legacy of these two locals will forever be remembered on the sandstone monument overlooking the Balonne River.

Eat and drink where the locals do! The Francis Hotel Thallon is a friendly, country pub where you can enjoy a cold beer, great meals and stay a while in clean, budget accommodation.
The Dining Room is open for family friendly meals seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is available for Hotel guests or by arrangement. A General Store and Post Office are also located at the Hotel with Tourist Information available.
Come in and see their "Local Images" Photographic Exhibition and enjoy a freshly made barista coffee and homemade sweet treats.

The soil gets redder as you approach this great little western town, and sitting on the banks of the peaceful Wallam Creek is the tranquil town of Bollon.
At the free caravan and camping area there are plenty of shady spaces to park the van for a few days on the edge of the picturesque creak, and an easy 1.2 kilometre stroll along the creek-side walkway provides access to the little town's main street. Along the walkway you can appreciate Aboriginal dreamtime artwork and exert some energy on the exercise equipment that flanks the walkway. So that you won't have to 'rough it', you'll have the comfort of free showers and toilets as well.

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